Generality
Together with sodium bicarbonate, sage is one of the most used whitening agents, both in the cosmetic field (preparation of toothpastes and whitening pastes), and in the purely domestic context: rubbing a fresh sage leaf directly on the tooth surface is a well-known folk remedy to get whiter teeth, giving shine and shine to your smile.
Property
With sodium bicarbonate, the sage shares the abrasive action, which allows the biofilm (plaque) and the more superficial stains from the teeth to be removed by mechanical action. In fact, in sage leaves we find mineral crystals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron), but also glands rich in essential oils and acids that help the bleaching action from the chemical point of view.
Another advantage of sage relates to the refreshing and deodorant action of the oral cavity, ascribed above all to the essential oil extracted from the leaves, useful in case of halitosis.
Among the other medicinal properties of sage, we recall those disinfectants (always linked to the essential oil) and haemostatic, linked to the presence of tannins; both are useful in the presence of gingivitis, oral ulcers and periodontal disease (if not adequately diluted the sage essential oil can still be irritating, therefore particularly harmful).
Deepening: Sage toothpastes against bleeding gums
The book "50 phytotherapy recipes" by Maria Grazia Spalluto, editions of aldenia, proposes sage as an ingredient of a "do-it-yourself" toothpaste indicated for the treatment of bleeding gums, see the recipe in detail:
- Ventilated green clay: 2 tablespoons
- Corn starch: a teaspoon
- Purified water: 2 tablespoons
- Baking soda: half a teaspoon
- Propolis, mother tincture: 20 drops
- Sage, essential oil: 20 drops
Pour the green clay, cornstarch and baking soda into a container with a lid. Add water a little at a time while mixing the ingredients with a plastic or wooden spoon (non-metallic); continue stirring until a smooth batter is obtained. Then add the propolis and sage, mix and refrigerate.
Rinse a toothbrush with soft bristles, dry it and use it to remove a small amount of toothpaste from the container, then brush the teeth. Rinse with plenty of water and repeat the application at least twice a day.
Another recipe - this time published in the book "Do-it-yourself natural cosmetics" by Giulia Penazzi, new techniques - involves the use of the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of baking soda → counteracts excessive oral acidity and whitens teeth
- 2 tablespoons of dried sage leaves → astringent, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic action, especially useful in the presence of bleeding gums
- 1/2 tablespoon of super-ventilated green clay (very fine grain size) → slight smoothing action
- 4 drops of mint essential oil → antiseptic properties, refresh the breath
- 5-6 cloves → improve the preservability of toothpaste
Grind the sage leaves until pulverized and add them to the baking soda using a mortar and pestle. Add the clay and mint oil drops, mixing everything. Transfer the preparation into a glass jar with a lid and add the whole cloves scattered in the dust. Store in a dry place as the preparation is moisture sensitive. The toothpaste is used in powder form, placing a small amount directly on the moistened toothbrush before passing it over the teeth.
Warnings and Precautions
Despite the widespread use as an ingredient in toothpastes, and the proven safety of use, it is very important that sage - when inserted in the context of toothpaste preparations - is used in the right doses and according to the correct use methods.
The use of sage leaves rubbed on the teeth to make them whiter must at least be occasional, to contain the risk that the abrasive action ends up damaging the enamel, the gingival collar and eventually the dentine and the cement uncovered, thus increasing the risk of gingival bleeding, dental hypersensitivity, yellowing of the teeth due to dentin exposure and reduction of the enamel (the translucent external fabric that gives shine to the smile).
